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The differences between junior test engineers and automation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a junior test engineer and an automation engineer. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $69,443 average annual salary of a junior test engineer.
The top three skills for a junior test engineer include java, test results and C #. The most important skills for an automation engineer are python, java, and PLC.
| Junior Test Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,443 | $92,597 |
| Hourly rate | $33.39 | $44.52 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 72,077 | 133,941 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Junior Test Engineer specializes in developing and implementing quality control tests that ensure product quality and efficiency. They work together with product design teams, determine test parameters, conduct research and analyses, establish guidelines, troubleshoot issues, develop strategies to optimize operations, and create test plans while adhering to the company's standards and regulations. A Junior Test Engineer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
An automation engineer takes charge of developing detailed design specifications and any other documents. Automation engineers develop automation software that is based on certain requirements for the involved process. They conform to local standards, international standards, and other process-oriented guidelines. Their duties also include the simulation and testing of automated machinery and processes. The must-have skills for this position include configuration software experience, scripting and coding expertise, certifications, and in-depth knowledge of technology.
Junior test engineers and automation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Test Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $69,443 | $92,597 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $83,000 | Between $70,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | Jersey City, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Sony Interactive Entertainment America | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a junior test engineer and an automation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Junior Test Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between junior test engineers' and automation engineers' demographics:
| Junior Test Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.2% Female, 34.8% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |